Backscatter hover detection

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a controller that modulates the phase, amplitude or phase and amplitude of the signal. The modulated signals are transmitted and interact with an object. Backscattered signals are received by the controller. The received backscattered signals are analyzed to determine the position, movement and/or touch event of a hand or other object.

This application includes material which is subject to copyrightprotection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in thePatent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD

The disclosed systems and methods relate in general to the field ofhuman-machine interfaces, in particular the system and methods relate tobackscatter detection.

BACKGROUND

Determination of touch and hover is important for detecting interactionwith a system. In recent years, capacitive touch sensors for touchscreens have gained in popularity, in addition to the development ofmulti-touch technologies. A capacitive touch sensor comprises rows andcolumns of conductive material in spatially separated layers (sometimeson the front and back of a common substrate). To operate the sensor, arow is stimulated with an excitation signal. The amount of couplingbetween each row and column can be affected by an object proximate tothe junction between the row and column (i.e., taxel). In other words, achange in capacitance between a row and column can indicate that anobject, such as a finger, is touching the sensor (e.g., screen) near theregion of intersection of the row and column. By sequentially excitingthe rows and measuring the coupling of the excitation signal at thecolumns, a heatmap reflecting capacitance changes, and thus proximity,can be created.

Generally, taxel data is aggregated into heatmaps. These heatmaps arethen post-processed to identify touch events, and the touch events arestreamed to downstream processes that seek to understand touchinteraction, including, without limitation, gestures, and the objects inwhich those gestures are performed. These systems and methods aregenerally directed to multi-touch sensing on planar sensors. Obtaininginformation to understand a user's touch, gestures and interactions withan object introduces a myriad of possibilities, but because handheldobjects, for example, come in a multitude of shapes, it can be difficultto incorporate capacitive touch sensors into objects such as acontroller, ball, stylus, wearable device, and so on, so that thesensors can thereby provide information relative to a user's gesturesand other interactions with the handheld objects.

While fast multi-touch sensors enable faster sensing on planar andnon-planar surfaces, they can have reduced capabilities in providingdetailed detection of non-contact touch events occurring more than a fewmillimeters from the sensor surface. Fast multi-touch sensors can alsohave reduced capabilities in providing detailed information relative tothe identification, and/or position and orientation of body parts (forexample, the finger(s), hand, arm, shoulder, leg, etc.) while users areperforming gestures or other interactions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of thedisclosure will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings,in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout thevarious views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating principles of the disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a controller implementing backscatter detection.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of another embodiment of a controller.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating use of the controller with a hand.

FIG. 4 is another diagram illustrating use of the controller with ahand.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the use of a controller on the wrist of auser.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a controller with a focused emitter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed systems and methods provide for designing,manufacturing and using capacitive touch sensors, and particularlycapacitive touch sensors that employ a multiplexing scheme based onorthogonal signaling such as but not limited to frequency-divisionmultiplexing (FDM), code-division multiplexing (CDM), or a hybridmodulation technique that combines both FDM and CDM methods. Referencesto frequency herein could also refer to other orthogonal signal bases.As such, this application incorporates by reference Applicants' priorU.S. Pat. No. 9,019,224, entitled “Low-Latency Touch Sensitive Device”and U.S. Pat. No. 9,158,411 entitled “Fast Multi-Touch Post Processing.”These applications contemplate FDM, CDM, or FDM/CDM hybrid touch sensorswhich may be used in connection with the presently disclosed sensors. Insuch sensors, touches are sensed when a signal from a row is coupled(increased) or decoupled (decreased) to a column and the result receivedon that column.

This application also employs principles used in fast multi-touchsensors and other interfaces disclosed in the following: U.S. Pat. Nos.9,933,880; 9,019,224; 9,811,214; 9,804,721; 9,710,113; and 9,158,411.Familiarity with the disclosure, concepts and nomenclature within thesepatents is presumed. The entire disclosure of those patents and theapplications incorporated therein by reference are incorporated hereinby reference. This application also employs principles used in fastmulti-touch sensors and other interfaces disclosed in the following:U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 15/162,240; 15/690,234; 15/195,675;15/200,642; 15/821,677; 15/904,953; 15/905,465; 15/943,221; 62/540,458,62/575,005, 62/621,117, 62/619,656 and PCT publicationPCT/US2017/050547, familiarity with the disclosures, concepts andnomenclature therein is presumed. The entire disclosure of thoseapplications and the applications incorporated therein by reference areincorporated herein by reference.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to motionsensing controllers, and methods for detecting hover and touch atdistances. Throughout this disclosure, various controller shapes andsensor patterns may be used for illustrative purposes. Although examplecompositions and/or geometries are disclosed for the purpose ofillustrating the invention, other compositions and geometries will beapparent to a person of skill in the art, in view of this disclosure,without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure herein.

Throughout this disclosure, the terms “touch”, “touches”, “touch event”,“contact”, “contacts”, “hover”, or “hovers” or other descriptors may beused to describe events or periods of time in which a key, key switch,user's finger, a stylus, an object, or a body part, or more generally atouch object, is detected by a sensor. In some sensors, detections occuronly when the user is in physical contact with a sensor, or a device inwhich it is embodied. In some embodiments, and as generally denoted bythe word “contact”, these detections occur as a result of physicalcontact with a sensor, or a device in which it is embodied. In otherembodiments, and as sometimes generally referred to by the term “hover”,the sensor may be tuned to allow for the detection of “touches” that arehovering at a distance above the touch surface or otherwise separatedfrom the sensor device and causes a recognizable change, despite thefact that the conductive or capacitive object, e.g., a stylus or pen, isnot in actual physical contact with the surface. Therefore, the use oflanguage within this description that implies reliance upon sensedphysical contact should not be taken to mean that the techniquesdescribed apply only to those embodiments; indeed, nearly all, if notall, of what is described herein would apply equally to “contact” and“hover”, each of which is a “touch”. Generally, as used herein, the word“hover” refers to non-contact touch events or touch, and as used hereinthe term “hover” is one type of “touch” in the sense that “touch” isintended herein. Thus, as used herein, the phrase “touch event” and theword “touch” when used as a noun include a near touch and a near touchevent, or any other gesture that can be identified using a sensor.“Pressure” refers to the force per unit area exerted by a user contact(e.g., presses by their fingers or hand) against the surface of anobject. The amount of “pressure” is similarly a measure of “contact”,i.e., “touch”. “Touch” refers to the states of “hover”, “contact”,“pressure”, or “grip”, whereas a lack of “touch” is generally identifiedby signals being below a threshold for accurate measurement by thesensor. In accordance with an embodiment, touch events may be detected,processed, and supplied to downstream computational processes with verylow latency, e.g., on the order of ten milliseconds or less, or on theorder of less than one millisecond.

As used herein, and especially within the claims, ordinal terms such asfirst and second are not intended, in and of themselves, to implysequence, time or uniqueness, but rather, are used to distinguish oneclaimed construct from another. In some uses where the context dictates,these terms may imply that the first and second are unique. For example,where an event occurs at a first time, and another event occurs at asecond time, there is no intended implication that the first time occursbefore the second time. However, where the further limitation that thesecond time is after the first time is presented in the claim, thecontext would require reading the first time and the second time to beunique times. Similarly, where the context so dictates or permits,ordinal terms are intended to be broadly construed so that the twoidentified claim constructs can be of the same characteristic or ofdifferent characteristic. Thus, for example, a first and a secondfrequency, absent further limitation, could be the same frequency, e.g.,the first frequency being 10 Mhz and the second frequency being 10 Mhz;or could be different frequencies, e.g., the first frequency being 10Mhz and the second frequency being 11 Mhz. Context may dictateotherwise, for example, where a first and a second frequency are furtherlimited to being orthogonal to each other in frequency, in which case,they could not be the same frequency.

The term “controller” as used herein is intended to refer to a physicalobject that provides the function of human-machine interface. In anembodiment, the controller is a hand manipulated object. In anembodiment, the controller is a palm located finger tracker. In anembodiment the controller is a wrist located finger/hand tracker. In anembodiment, the controller is a wristband. In an embodiment, thecontroller is able to detect the movements of a hand through detectionof the back-scattered signals. In an embodiment, the controllermodulates the amplitude of signals of various frequencies in order toextract meaning from the received signal. In an embodiment, thecontroller is able to detect the movements of a hand through detectionof the movement of the wrist area via the modulation of the amplitude ofsignals of various frequencies. In an embodiment, the controller is ableto detect the movements of a hand by sensing such movements directly. Inan embodiment, the controller may provide the position of a hand. In anembodiment, the controller may provide position and/or movement of otherbody parts through the determination of backscattered signals proximateto and/or associated with the body part and/or function, for example,the articulation of the bones, joints and muscles of the wrist area andhow it translates into the position and/or movement of the hand; thearticulation of the bones, joints and muscles of the ankle area and howit translates into position and/or movement of the foot; and/or thevibration and movement of the vocal cords and how it translates intospeech.

The controllers discussed herein use antennas that function astransmitting antennas and receiving antennas. However, it should beunderstood that whether the antennas are transmitting antennas,receiving antennas, or both depends on context and the embodiment. Whenused for transmitting, the antenna is operatively connected to a signalgenerator. When used for receiving, the antenna is operatively connectedto a signal receiver. In an embodiment, the transmitting antennas andthe receiving antennas for all or any combination of the patterns areoperatively connected to a single integrated circuit capable oftransmitting and receiving the required signals. In an embodiment, thetransmitting antennas and receiving antennas are each operativelyconnected to a different integrated circuit capable of transmitting andreceiving the required signals, respectively. In an embodiment, thetransmitting antennas and receiving antennas for all or any combinationof the patterns may be operatively connected to a group of integratedcircuits, each capable of transmitting and receiving the requiredsignals, and together sharing information necessary to such multiple ICconfiguration. In an embodiment, where the capacity of the integratedcircuit (i.e., the number of transmit and receive channels) and therequirements of the patterns (i.e., the number of transmit and receivechannels) permit, all of the transmitting antennas and receivingantennas for all of the multiple patterns used by a controller areoperated by a common integrated circuit, or by a group of integratedcircuits that have communications therebetween. In an embodiment, wherethe number of transmit or receive channels requires the use of multipleintegrated circuits, the information from each circuit is combined in aseparate system. In an embodiment, the separate system comprises a GPUand software for signal processing.

The purpose of the transmitting antennas and receiving antennasdiscussed herein are to detect touch events, movements, motions, andgestures, such as hover, proximity, hand position, etc. with 3Dpositional fidelity. The transmitted signals can be transmitted in aparticular direction. In an embodiment a mixed signal integrated circuitis used. The mixed signal integrated circuit comprises a signalgenerator, transmitter, receiver and signal processor. In an embodiment,the mixed signal integrated circuit is adapted to generate one or moresignals and transmit the signals. In an embodiment, the mixed signalintegrated circuit is adapted to generate a plurality of frequencyorthogonal signals and send the plurality of frequency orthogonalsignals to the transmitters. In an embodiment, the frequency orthogonalsignals are in the range from DC up to about 2.5 GHz. In an embodiment,the frequency orthogonal signals are in the range from DC up to about1.6 MHz. In an embodiment, the frequency orthogonal signals are in therange from 50 KHz to 200 KHz. The frequency spacing between thefrequency orthogonal signals is typically greater than or equal to thereciprocal of an integration period (i.e., the sampling period). In anembodiment, the frequency of the signal is not changed and the amplitudeof the signal is modulated instead.

In an embodiment, the signal processor of a mixed signal integratedcircuit (or a downstream component or software) is adapted to determineat least one value representing each frequency orthogonal signal that istransmitted. In an embodiment, the signal processor of the mixed signalintegrated circuit (or a downstream component or software) performs aFourier transform to received signals. In an embodiment, the mixedsignal integrated circuit is adapted to digitize received signals. In anembodiment, the mixed signal integrated circuit (or a downstreamcomponent or software) is adapted to digitize received signals andperform a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) on the digitized information.In an embodiment, the mixed signal integrated circuit (or a downstreamcomponent or software) is adapted to digitize received signals andperform a Fast Fourier transform (FFT) on the digitized information—anFFT being one type of discrete Fourier transform.

It will be apparent to a person of skill in the art in view of thisdisclosure that a DFT, in essence, treats the sequence of digitalsamples (e.g., window) taken during a sampling period (e.g., integrationperiod) as though it repeats. As a consequence, signals that are notcenter frequencies (i.e., not integer multiples of the reciprocal of theintegration period (which reciprocal defines the minimum frequencyspacing)), may have relatively nominal, but unintended consequence ofcontributing small values into other DFT bins. Thus, it will also beapparent to a person of skill in the art in view of this disclosurethat, the term orthogonal as used herein is not “violated” by such smallcontributions. In other words, as we use the term frequency orthogonalherein, two signals are considered frequency orthogonal if substantiallyall of the contribution of one signal to the DFT bins is made todifferent DFT bins than substantially all of the contribution of theother signal.

In an embodiment, received signals are sampled at at least 1 MHz. In anembodiment, received signals are sampled at at least 2 MHz. In anembodiment, received signals are sampled at 4 Mhz. In an embodiment,received signals are sampled at 4.096 Mhz. In an embodiment, receivedsignals are sampled at more than 4 MHz.

To achieve kHz sampling, for example, 4096 samples may be taken at 4.096MHz. In such an embodiment, the integration period is 1 millisecond,which per the constraint that the frequency spacing should be greaterthan or equal to the reciprocal of the integration period provides aminimum frequency spacing of 1 KHz. (It will be apparent to one of skillin the art in view of this disclosure that taking 4096 samples at e.g.,4 MHz would yield an integration period slightly longer than amillisecond, and not achieving kHz sampling, and a minimum frequencyspacing of 976.5625 Hz.) In an embodiment, the frequency spacing isequal to the reciprocal of the integration period. In such anembodiment, the maximum frequency of a frequency-orthogonal signal rangeshould be less than 2 MHz. In such an embodiment, the practical maximumfrequency of a frequency-orthogonal signal range should be less thanabout 40% of the sampling rate, or about 1.6 MHz. In an embodiment, aDFT (which could be an FFT) is used to transform the digitized receivedsignals into bins of information, each reflecting the frequency of afrequency-orthogonal signal transmitted which may have been transmittedby the transmit antenna 130. In an embodiment 2048 bins correspond tofrequencies from 1 KHz to about 2 MHz. It will be apparent to a personof skill in the art in view of this disclosure that these examples aresimply that, exemplary. Depending on the needs of a system, and subjectto the constraints described above, the sample rate may be increased ordecreased, the integration period may be adjusted, the frequency rangemay be adjusted, etc.

In an embodiment, a DFT (which can be an FFT) output comprises a bin foreach frequency-orthogonal signal that is transmitted. In an embodiment,each DFT (which can be an FFT) bin comprises an in-phase (I) andquadrature (Q) component. In an embodiment, the sum of the squares ofthe I and Q components is used as measure corresponding to signalstrength for that bin. In an embodiment, the square root of the sum ofthe squares of the I and Q components is used as measure correspondingto signal strength for that bin. It will be apparent to a person ofskill in the art in view of this disclosure that a measure correspondingto the signal strength for a bin could be used as a measure related toan event. In other words, the measure corresponding to signal strengthin a given bin would change as a result of a position, gesture, motion,touch event, etc.

The principles discussed above are used in addition to other features ofthe signal transmission in order to obtain meaningful informationregarding positions and gestures used in the system. In other words, thesystems disclosed herein uses various properties of the transmittedsignals in order reconstruct positions of gestures used in the system.

Now turning to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a controller 10 isshown. The controller 10 has a transmitter 22 and a receiver 32. Thetransmitter 22 is connected to a signal generator (not shown) which isadapted to generate signals of different frequencies. The receiver 32 isconnected to a signal processor (not shown) which is adapted to processthe signals that are received.

The signals transmitted by the transmitter 22 may be transmitted at apredetermined frequency. In FIG. 1, a frequency shifter 25 is operablyattached to the transmitter 22. The frequency shifter 25 is able toraise or lower the frequency of a signal transmitted from thetransmitter 25. In an embodiment, the frequency is shifted through theuse of amplitude modulation. In an embodiment, the frequency is shiftedthrough the use of phase modulation. In an embodiment the frequency isshifted through the use of phase and amplitude modulation.

The frequency shifter 25 is able to shift the frequency of thetransmitted signal to within a variety of ranges. In an embodiment, thefrequency of the transmitted signal is shifted within the infraredrange. In an embodiment, the frequency of the signal is shifted withinthe optical range. In an embodiment, the frequency of the signal isshifted within the microwave range. In an embodiment, the frequency ofthe signal is shifted within the radio range. In an embodiment, thefrequency of the signal is shifted within the ultraviolet range. In anembodiment, the frequency of the transmitted signal is transmittedwithin more than one range, for example the frequency of the signal maybe transmitted within the radio range and the infrared range. In anembodiment the frequency of the signal is shifted within more than tworanges, for example the frequency of the signal may be transmittedwithin the optical range, radio range and the infrared range.

After the signal is run through the frequency shifter 25, the shiftedsignal may then be transmitted to a directed emission device 40. Thedirected emission device 40 is at least one transmitting antenna 20 thatis able to focus the signal that is transmitted. In an embodiment, thedirected emission device 40 is a plurality of transmitting antennas 20that are able to focus the transmitted signals. In an embodiment, thetransmitter 22, the frequency shifter 25 and the directed emissiondevice 40 are all the same component. In an embodiment, the transmitter22, the frequency shifter 25 and the directed emission device 40 are allon different components. In an embodiment, the capabilities of thefrequency shifter 25 are incorporated into the functionality of thetransmitter 22.

The directed emission device 40 can then be directed towards a generalarea or a touch object 60 that is to be the subject of data obtainedfrom the measurements taken in the system. The transmitted signals canstrike the general area, the touch object 60 or both to then create abackscattering of the signals. The backscattered signals may then bereceived at a wide view device 50 which comprises one or more receivingantennas 30.

In an embodiment, the wide view device 50 has a receiving antenna 30that is operably connected to a signal processor. In an embodiment, thewide view device 50 is a plurality of receiving antennas 30 operablyconnected to a signal processor. In an embodiment, the wide view device50 is located on the same structure as the direct emission device 40 andis able to receive backscattered signals. In an embodiment, the wideview device 50 is located on a different structure than the directemission device 40 and is able to receive backscattered signals. In anembodiment, receiving antennas 30 forming the wide view device 50 arelocated on the same structure as the directed emission device 40 andalso on a different structure where the receiving antennas 30 arecapable of receiving backscattered signals.

Still referring to FIG. 1, backscattered signals that are received bywide view device 50 are sent to a frequency shifter 35. The frequencyshifter 35 then performs a similar operation as the frequency shifter 25in order to place the signals into a useable form if need be. In anembodiment, the frequency shifter 35 is able to raise or lower thefrequency of signal received by the wide view device 50. In embodiment,an optical transmit signal is created by means of a light emittingdiode, converting “baseband” transmit frequencies from some frequencytypical to an ASIC (say 100 khz) into an amplitude modulated version ofthis signal at a frequency in the optical range or infrared range. Onthe receiving path, the frequency is converted from infrared back to“baseband” (100 khz in this example), which in an embodiment is done bymeans of a detector diode. A detector diode is a light sensitive devicewhich modulates current based on the intensity of the light, i.e.“photodetector,” which is a type of frequency shifter. In an embodiment,the frequency is shifted through the use of amplitude modulation. In anembodiment, the frequency is shifted through the use of phasemodulation. In an embodiment the frequency is shifted through the use ofphase and amplitude modulation.

After the received backscattered signals pass through the frequencyshifter 35 they are sent to a receiver 32 which is operably connected toa signal processor. The signals are then measured and the measurementsare used to produce data on touch events. In an embodiment, thefrequency shifter 35 and the receiver 32 are part of the same component.The touch events can be used to produce position, movement andinteractions exhibited by the touch object 60.

In an embodiment, one frequency is being used that is phase shiftedmultiple times and then the various received phase shifted signals arereceived and analyzed. In an embodiment, one frequency is being usedthat is amplitude shifted multiple times and then the various receivedamplitude shifted signals are received and analyzed. In an embodiment,one frequency is being used that is phase and amplitude shifted multipletimes and then the various received phase and amplitude shifted signalsare received and analyzed. In an embodiment, multiple frequencies arebeing used that are phase shifted multiple times and then the variousreceived phase shifted signals are received and analyzed. In anembodiment, multiple frequencies are being used that are amplitudeshifted multiple times and then the various received amplitude shiftedsignals are received and analyzed. In an embodiment, multiplefrequencies are being used that are phase and amplitude shifted multipletimes and then the various received phase and amplitude shifted signalsare received and analyzed.

Because the signals are phase, amplitude or phase and amplitude shifted,each of the transmitted signals can be identified when received afterbackscattering. Since the identity of the transmitted signal can bedetermined, various distances and positions can be determined based uponthe received signals. The wide area device 50 is able to receivebackscattered signals over a broader area than the narrower area inwhich the signal is transmitted. By being able to receive backscatteredsignals over a larger area than that in which the signals aretransmitted the wide area device 50 is able to account for signals thatbackscattered in various directions when the object 60 is struck. In anembodiment, multiple wide receiving antennas are used to receivebackscattered signals from a variety of different directions by beinglocated in more than one location within the environment. In anembodiment, the wide area device 50 may comprise multiple receivingantennas oriented in various positions in order to account fordifferently directed backscattered signals.

In an exemplary embodiment, a calibration stage takes place where a userplaces their hand into a variety of positions in order to receive andanalyze the backscattered signals received. The received signals aremeasured and analyzed. The results are used to establish a baseline fromwhich future measurements can be compared. These comparisons are used torefine the results in order to establish additional fidelity in thepositioning of the hands.

Turning to FIG. 2, another embodiment is shown having a plurality oftransmitting antennas 20 and a plurality of receiving antennas 30.Functionally, each of the transmitting antennas 20 can transmit a signalat the same frequency that is then phase, amplitude or phase andamplitude shifted so that each of the signals that are transmitted canbe distinguished from each other. Each of the shifted signals can bereceived at one of the receiving antennas 30. The signals transmittedfrom each of the transmitting antennas 20 can be correlated with each ofthe respective receiving antennas 30. The array of transmitting antennas20 and the array of receiving antennas can then be applied to variety ofsurfaces and geometries so as to provide accurate determination of theposition and movement of various objects.

In an embodiment, such as discussed above, the same frequency signalsare transmitted from each transmitting antenna and the amplitude isshifted for each of the transmitted signals. In an embodiment, the samefrequency signals are transmitted from each transmitting antenna and thephase is shifted for each of the transmitted signals. In an embodiment,the same frequency signals are transmitted from each transmittingantenna and the phase and amplitude is shifted for each of thetransmitted signals. In an embodiment, different frequencies can betransmitted from each of the transmitting antennas 20. In an embodiment,each of the signals can be orthogonal to each other. In an embodiment,each of the signals can be frequency orthogonal to each other. In thismanner, the transmitting antennas 20 and the receiving antennas 30 applythe principles of the FMT sensors to the backscattering architecture. Inan embodiment, each of the transmitted signals are frequency orthogonaland phase shifted. In an embodiment, each of the transmitted signals arefrequency orthogonal and amplitude shifted. In an embodiment, each ofthe transmitted signals are frequency orthogonal, phase shifted andamplitude shifted.

Depending on the type of shifting that occurs and the needs of thesystem can determine the type of calculation that is to be performed.For example, in an embodiment the frequency chosen can have anunambiguous phase offset for distances under consideration. By“unambiguous phase offset” it is meant that the differences in phase aresufficiently distant so that distinguishing between the transmittedsignals is readily performed. So for example, in order to achieve a 12inch detection from a surface (which includes the path out and thebackscatter return path) can be achieved with 1 Ghz signal phase shifted360 degrees. Similar detection capability can be achieved with a 500 Mhzsignal with a 180 degree phase shift. In order to obtain 18 inchdetection distance (which includes the path out and the backscatterreturn path), 650 Mhz with a 360 degree phase shift can be used.Similarly, a 325 Mhz signal with a 180 degree phase shift can be used.In an embodiment, the frequency chosen can have ambiguous phase offsetthat is narrowed by amplitude value. For example, for a 12 inchdetection distance (which includes the path out and the backscatterreturn path) can be obtained with 4 Ghz signal with a 360 degree shiftevery 2 inches of path travel.

The proposed technique is good at detecting small amplitude changes inthese signals, and doing so for many simultaneous frequency orthogonalsignals at the same time. The above technique is also good atdetermining phase relationships, such as those discussed above. In mmwave, microwave, and/or GHz type range, given a phase detection facilityat the baseband frequency shifter, phase measurements can be made.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the application of the controller 10 toa hand environment. Various transmitting antennas 20 are placed around acontroller 10 so that the transmitted signals can cover a large area andreceive the backscattered signals from a variety of different positionslocated on the hand. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the position ofthe transmitting antennas can be used to gain information regarding thepalm, wrist and fingers.

FIG. 4 is another diagram illustrating the application of the controller10 to the hand environment, shown from a different angle. Thetransmitting antennas 20 are placed around the controller 10 so that thetransmitted signals can cover a large area and receive the backscatteredsignals from a variety of different positions located within the handarea. In the embodiment shown, the placement of the transmittingantennas can be used to gain information regarding the palm, wrist andfingers.

FIG. 5 is diagram illustrating a controller 10 placed on a user's wrist.The transmitting antennas 20 direct a signal towards the fingers andpalm area. The backscattered signal are then received at the receivers30. In an embodiment, the transmitted signals are phase shifted(modulated) signals. In an embodiment, the signals are amplitude shifted(modulated) signal. In an embodiment, the signals are phase andamplitude shifted (modulated) signals In an embodiment, the signalscomprise more than one transmitted frequency. In an embodiment, thesignals are orthogonal. In an embodiments the frequencies of the signalsare orthogonal.

In an embodiment, analysis of the backscattered signals are used todetermine a position or motion of a body part such as wrist body part.In an embodiment, analysis of the backscattered signals are used todetermine a position or motion of a body part such as the articulationof the bones, joints, tendons and muscles. In an embodiment, analysis ofthe backscattered signals are used to determine a position or motion ofa body part such as the articulation of the bones, joints and muscles ofthe wrist area. In an embodiment, analysis of the backscattered signalsare used to determine the position and/or movement of a hand, wrist,foot, ankle, head, neck, torso, arm, shoulder, or any other body part,or a portion of a body part. In an embodiment, analysis of thebackscattered signals are used to determine the vibration and movementof vocal cords. In an embodiment, analysis of the backscattered signalsare used to deduce sounds or speech from the vibration and movement ofvocal cords. In an embodiment, analysis of the backscattered signals areused to determine respiration, heart activity, pulse or otherbiomechanical changes.

Now turning to FIG. 6, a controller 12 is shown. The controller 12 has atransmitting antenna 20 and receiving antenna 30. The transmittingantenna 20 transmits signals at a certain frequency and the amplitude ofthe transmitted signal is modulate. For example, a signal with afrequency in the infrared range may be used. In an embodiment, a laserdiode is use. The amplitude of the emitted infrared signal is modulated.The amplitude shifted signal may then be transmitted to a directedemission device 40. The directed emission device 40 can then be directedtowards a general area or an object that is to be the subject of themeasurement in the system. The transmitted signals can strike thegeneral area or the object to then create a backscattering of thesignals. Some of the backscattered signals can then be receivedultimately by the receiving antenna 30. The received signals are thenable to be analyzed and measured to reconstruct the position, movementand/or touch event exhibited by the object.

In an embodiment, the transmitter 22, transmitting antenna 20, thedirected emission device and the receiving antenna 30 are all part ofthe same component forming the controller 12. In an embodiment, themodulation of the amplitude may be accomplished by the transmitter 22.In other words, the transmitter 22 may perform the amplitude shifting ofthe transmitted signal. In an embodiment, one frequency is being usedthat is amplitude shifted multiple times and then the various receivedamplitude shifted signals are received and analyzed.

Because the signals are amplitude shifted, each of the transmittedsignals can be identified when received. Since the identity of thetransmitted signal can be determined, various distances and positionscan be determined based upon the received signals. In an embodiment, onereceiver 30 is used to receive the backscattered signals. In anembodiment, multiple receivers 30 are located in various positionswithin an environment in order to receive backscattered signals.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a controller. The controllercomprising a transmitter adapted to transmit a plurality of frequencyorthogonal signals; a frequency shifter operably connected to thetransmitter, wherein the frequency shifter modulates each of theplurality of frequency orthogonal signals transmitted from thetransmitter; a directed emission device, wherein the directed emissiondevice comprises a transmitting antenna adapted to transmit each ofplurality of frequency orthogonal signals over a first area; a receivingantenna, wherein the receiving antenna is adapted to receive at leastone of the plurality of frequency orthogonal signals after the at leastone of the frequency orthogonal signals interacts with an object,wherein the receiving antenna is adapted to receive signals over asecond area, wherein the second area is larger than the first area; anda signal processor operably connected to the receiving antenna, whereinthe signal processor analyzes the at least one of the frequencyorthogonal signals after the at least one of the frequency orthogonalsignals is received by the receiving antenna to determine at least oneof a position, movement or touch event related to the object.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of detectingmovement. The method comprises transmitting a plurality of frequencyorthogonal signals from a transmitter; modulating each of the pluralityof frequency orthogonal signals transmitted from the transmitter;transmitting each of the modulated plurality of frequency orthogonalsignals through a directed emission device, wherein the directedemission device comprises a transmitting antenna, wherein the directedemission device transmits each of the modulated plurality of frequencyorthogonal signals over a first area; receiving the at least one of themodulated plurality of frequency orthogonal signals after the at leastone of the modulated plurality of frequency orthogonal signals interactswith the object, wherein the receiving antenna is adapted to receive atleast one of the modulated plurality of frequency orthogonal signalsover a second area, wherein the second area is larger than the firstarea; and analyzing the received at least one of the modulated pluralityof orthogonal signals to determine movement related to the object.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A sensing system, comprising: a transmitter adapted to transmit aplurality of orthogonal signals, wherein each signal transmitted isorthogonal to each other signal transmitted; a shifter operablyconnected to the transmitter and adapted to modulate at least some ofthe plurality of orthogonal signals transmitted from the transmitter; anemission device adapted to focus the transmitted signals; at least onewide view receiver adapted to receive the plurality of orthogonalsignals; and a signal processor operably connected to the receiver,wherein the signal processor is adapted to make measurements associatedwith at least one of the plurality of orthogonal signals received by theat least one receiver, wherein the measurements correlate with touchevents.
 2. The sensing system of claim 1, wherein the shifter is adaptedto modulate amplitude of each of the plurality of orthogonal signals. 3.The sensing system of claim 1, wherein the shifter is adapted tomodulate phase of each of the plurality of orthogonal signals.
 4. Thesensing system of claim 1, wherein the shifter is adapted to modulatephase and amplitude of each of the plurality of orthogonal signals. 5.The sensing system of claim 1, further comprising another emissiondevice.
 6. The sensing system of claim 1, wherein at least one of thetransmitter and the wide view receiver is adapted to be worn on a wrist.7. The sensing system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the pluralityof orthogonal signals is in a first frequency range and at least oneother of the plurality of orthogonal signals is in at least one otherfrequency range.
 8. The sensing system of claim 1, further comprising asecond wide view receiver.
 9. The sensing system of claim 8, furthercomprising another emission device.
 10. A method of producingmeasurements reflective of movement comprising: transmitting a pluralityof orthogonal signals; modulating each of the transmitted plurality oforthogonal signals; focusing each of the modulated plurality oforthogonal signals; receiving at least one of the modulated plurality offrequency orthogonal signals at at least one wide view receiver afterthe at least one of the modulated plurality of frequency orthogonalsignals interacts with an object; and measuring the received at leastone of the modulated plurality of orthogonal signals.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein modulating comprises modulating the amplitude of eachof the plurality of orthogonal signals.
 12. The method of claim 10,wherein modulating comprises modulating the phase of each of theplurality of orthogonal signals.
 13. The method of claim 10, whereinmodulating comprises modulating phase and amplitude of each of theplurality of orthogonal signals.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein atleast one of the plurality of orthogonal signals is transmitted in afirst frequency range and at least one other of the plurality oforthogonal signals is transmitted in at least one other frequency range.15. The method of claim 10, wherein there is more than one emissiondevice.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the emissiondevices or the wide view receiver is adapted to be worn on a wrist. 17.The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of the orthogonal signalsare transmitted in an optical range.
 18. The method of claim 10, whereinthere is more than one wide view receiver.
 19. The method of claim 10,wherein there is more than one wide view receiver and more than oneplurality of orthogonal signals transmitted s.